Technically advanced aircraft (TAA) are defined by the FAA as having at least a moving-map display, an IFR-approved GPS navigator and an autopilot. The advent of this technology has raised issues about training, which AOPA’s Air Safety Foundation (ASF) addresses in a new report, released last week. The report suggests how training should change to reflect the demands of flying TAA, and also takes a preliminary look at assessing the safety record for these aircraft. The report examines the challenges for pilots transitioning to TAA and flight schools starting students out on the new systems; handling characteristics; and TAA hardware and software, including terrain, traffic, weather and engine-monitoring equipment. Recent research might suggest a tiered learning approach. Twelve accidents involving TAA are examined, and the ASF found that most were pilot-related. “Poor judgment will always be poor judgment, regardless of the aircraft being flown,” said Air Safety Foundation Executive Director Bruce Landsberg. The entire report can be downloaded for free at the ASF Web site.
New Report Examines Safety, Training Issues For Advanced Aircraft
Key Takeaways:
- An AOPA Air Safety Foundation (ASF) report addresses training and safety issues for Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA), which are FAA-defined by features like moving-map displays, IFR GPS, and autopilots.
- The report examines challenges for pilots transitioning to TAA and for flight schools, covers handling characteristics and advanced TAA hardware/software, and suggests a tiered learning approach.
- Analysis of 12 TAA accidents revealed that most were pilot-related, emphasizing that poor judgment remains a primary factor regardless of aircraft technology.
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